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OPSEU and staff union reach new tentative agreement

TORONTO, Aug. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - The Ontario Public Service Employees Union has reached a tentative collective agreement with the Ontario Public Service Staff Union (OPSSU), the union representing its frontline staff.

The new tentative agreement is the second one in this round of bargaining. An earlier deal inked June 30 was rejected by OPSSU members at a ratification meeting July 16.

"This round of bargaining with our staff was not without its ups and downs, but both sides worked hard to reach an agreement and we succeeded," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "On behalf of the OPSEU Executive Board, I want to thank both bargaining teams for their hard work and determination to get this done.

"We look forward to seeing this new contract ratified so we can get back to the important work of the union – protecting Ontario's vital public services and protecting the interests of the great people who deliver them."

The tentative agreement, signed shortly after a strike deadline set for 12:01 a.m.August 25, has been unanimously endorsed by the bargaining teams of both parties.

Details of the new agreement are not being released pending ratification. OPSSU will hold its ratification meeting on or before Sunday, August 28; the OPSEU Executive Board will do so on or before August 29. The current collective agreement, which expired June 30, remains in force until then.

OPSEU staff negotiate and enforce collective agreements; provide expert advice and support to members on benefits, pensions, equity, health and safety, and campaigns; organize new members; and support the union's operations through payroll, accounting, information technology, data management, human resources, conference and travel, education, research, communications, printing, and building services. OPSEU staff work at 20 regional offices around Ontario and at two head office sites.